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Monday, October 29, 2012

Casterton to Troopers Creek camping area The Grampians NP

A cold and overcast
morning. Slow start and a leisurely breakfast hoping the sun would
emerge to dry the tent. There had been some additional light rain
overnight. No luck with the sun, so pack yet another damp tent and
hit the road by 10am.

Up the highway to
Hamilton – a large country town for petrol and a coffee break. The
riding is pleasant enough. Good roads and not to much traffic. The
countryside is green and lush. Prime agricultural land around here.
The farmers wives are all driving Mercedes Benz SUV's!

The road from Hamilton
to Dunkeld is even better, with distant views of the Grampians
enticing me forward. Passing through Coleraine I spot an amazing old bus
pulling over at the chocolate factory. It's the original (beautifully
restored) FLXIBLE Clipper that Reg Ansett imported into Australia in
1947. Being driven by an old codger (Ken Turnbull) who used to drive
it on a daily run from Mt Gambier to Melbourne in the good old days.

On to Dunkeld –
gateway to the Southern Grampians. I take the back road through
Victoria Valley north towards Halls Gap. A great minor road –
single lane in places, but sealed all the way. A superb run up the
middle of a wide flat valley – again rich agricultural land -
between two parallel ranges – with spectacular views on both sides.
The road finally cuts right and over the Sierra Range through
Mirranatwa Gap back to the main north south road to Halls Gap. A
great little section of up and down twisties. Best riding since
leaving Perth!

On the way to Halls
Gap, I stop at a couple of camp sites and check them out. My plan is
to spend two nights in the park and do a day walk. Ideally up to the
ridge or a peak for the views. After checking in a NP HQ in Halls
Gap, and taking their advice, I end up in the northern section at
Troopers Creek camping area.

A fantastic route out
of Halls Gap bak up and over the range – fantastic bike riding.
Yipee!

Troopers Creek is a
lovely quiet spot in the bush, with just a couple of camp sites,
below Mt Difficult. Tomorrows goal – weather permitting - is to
climb Mt Difficult. About 4.5km return straight up and down. Here's
hoping the weather is fine!